smith mini torch or a national handheld?

**jordan35080** · 11-22-2014, 11:56 PM

which do you prefer and why? <3

**Captain Glass** · 11-22-2014, 11:58 PM

Gen tec from area 541 or all stylez or whatever he goes by now

Fast shipping and great product

**snoopdog6502** · 11-23-2014, 12:13 AM

I have a smith torch knock off for a hand torch. $50

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jewelers-Jew...3D310919146757

**jordan35080** · 11-23-2014, 12:17 AM

www.gentecengineering.com are those the guys youre talking about? i wanna see it in action and hear about itXD

**Kaizen** · 11-23-2014, 02:45 AM

National. Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more versatile.

Stegee · 11-23-2014, 03:18 AM

Both. Its nice having a national with #3 or rosebud tip and a compact at arms length. No switching tips though that's not an issue for everyone. The compact is overall smaller and i feel it can get in some tighter places easier. Then the national for more firepower in your hand which comes in handy. That being said I usually stick to the compact and my shopmate uses the national.

If you get one, get a national and a handful of tips. then get a compact when you need it

**hammer** · 11-23-2014, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by Stegee

Both. Its nice having a national with #3 or rosebud tip and a compact at arms length. No switching tips though that's not an issue for everyone. The compact is overall smaller and i feel it can get in some tighter places easier. Then the national for more firepower in your hand which comes in handy. That being said I usually stick to the compact and my shopmate uses the national.

If you get one, get a national and a handful of tips. then get a compact when you need it

This^^^

They are both inexpensive. Get both. But if for some bizarre reason you can only have one the National is the obvious choice because of versatility.

**Glasgow Glass** · 11-23-2014, 08:03 AM

Gentech little torch or i recommend the compact. Fells nicer made than a smith and isn't as bulky as a national.

**jr23** · 11-23-2014, 09:01 AM

Every lamp working shop should have at least one natty. They are cheep versatile, and kinda a tank. I hate the valve threads on gen techs the threads are so week and thin. I loved my gentec tell the propane valve just fell out one day.

**Dave Umbs** · 11-23-2014, 10:49 AM

both ideally, id get the jewelers torch, you need the hornet tip though to really get any use out of it. Im also a little disappointed with the smiths, im on my 2nd one atm, the after about 2 years of heavy use, the valves are leaking and the same thing happen with my first.

Probably gonna get a gentec to try out.

**jordan35080** · 11-23-2014, 12:08 PM

sounds good. ill get the national now and when i get another 150 ill buy the gentec. thanks a lot guys

**jordan35080** · 11-23-2014, 12:10 PM

WAIT NOW. so the national premix that i found says it dont work with soft glass? is it because its too hot? i dont see why it wouldnt work.

**dustyg** · 11-23-2014, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by jordan35080

WAIT NOW. so the national premix that i found says it dont work with soft glass? is it because its too hot? i dont see why it wouldnt work.

It's a common myth. Works fine for me. Not sure why everyone says otherwise. I've seen a video of Paul Stankard using a CC, too. Lots of those paperweight makers use CC's.

**hawkglass** · 11-23-2014, 12:33 PM

Don't meant to tread jack but what about the nortel ranger?

**hammer** · 11-23-2014, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by hawkglass

Don't meant to tread jack but what about the nortel ranger?

It's decent. I have one hooked up. The small flame is kind of lame. It's just a minor on a stick.

**jordan35080** · 11-23-2014, 01:29 PM

does the ranger have tips? i like the national for its HUGE choice of tips. like the htc6 tip has a flame just like the minor

**hammer** · 11-23-2014, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by jordan35080

does the ranger have tips? i like the national for its HUGE choice of tips. like the htc6 tip has a flame just like the minor

No it's surface mix. As for the National get a piloted #1 tip. It will be your best friend for small detail work.

**jordan35080** · 11-23-2014, 06:22 PM

sounds good! gonna get that and a shelbo 55 port whisper tip!

thanks a bunch guys<3 much love

**Black Fire** · 11-23-2014, 06:24 PM

...nvm

**aREa541** · 11-23-2014, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by jr23

I hate the valve threads on gen techs the threads are so week and thin. I loved my gentec tell the propane valve just fell out one day.

I am sorry to hear you had issues with your valves jr, that is the first time i have heard of any problems though. I do sell replacement valves for both Gentec models in the form of easy turn knobs, so if anybody has valve issues hit me up and i will fix your wagon. I know dropping the torch on the valves can make them leak as it happened to me, but putting in new valves fixed it right up. I have since dropped it a few more times since and it works fine, so the drop has to hit the valves just right it seems.

As far as torch choice, I have put this opinion out before but I will reiterate. A National is comparable to a micro torch like a fork is to a spoon. They both accomplish similar goals, in fact you can choose either a fork or a spoon as the proper utensil for many meals. But sometimes you need the right tool for the job.... just try eating cereal with a fork.